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GeneralMedical Emergency: Pay Attention To Warning Signs And Be Prepared

Life is unpredictable! One second you are happy and having fun with your family and friends, while the next second, everyone is in panic due to an unexpected scenario. The situation could be anything; maybe your family member lost consciousness, someone started coughing blood, or somebody got injured while playing or due to an accident.

Whatever the emergency situation may be, often, it causes chaos and panic- leaving you wondering, “What should I do now?”

Well, first of all, you need to calm yourself down. Panicking in an emergency situation can divert your mind from taking appropriate action. Therefore, you should try deep breathing to calm yourself. After that, you must contact the hospital and provide first aid or CPR to the patient. Getting help right away can help you save someone’s life.

But, that’s not all! It is also essential that you are able to recognize medical emergencies and be prepared.

What Are The Warning Signs Of A Medical Emergency?

  • Unstoppable And Heavy Bleeding,
  • Difficulty Breathing Or Shortness Of Breath,
  • Unusual Behavior Or Confusion,
  • Chest Pain,
  • Coughing Or Throwing Up Blood,
  • Sudden Pain In Any Part Of The Body,
  • Fainting Or Loss Of Consciousness,
  • Choking,
  • Facial Droop,
  • Weak Arms,
  • Slurred Speech,
  • Persistent Vomiting,
  • Visceral Pain (Deep, Dull Pain Within The Abdomen, Back, Or Pelvis),
  • Allergic Reaction With Trouble Breathing, Swelling, Hives,
  • High Fever With Headache And Stiff Neck,
  • Head Or Spine Injury,
  • Sudden Dizziness, Weakness, Or Change In Vision,
  • Suicidal Thoughts Or Attempts,
  • Poisoning Or Overdose Of Drug Or Alcohol.

These are the most common signs of poor health and medical emergencies. If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above in your family, friends, or any other person, it could be a stroke, heart attack, or any other severe health condition. So, you must not delay and take the person to the hospital. And, in the meantime, you should give them first aid or start CPR.

How To Be Prepared For Emergencies?

Although you can never predict or stop any medical emergency. Preparing or learning a few things can help you deal with such situations the right way. Here are a few ways you can prepare!

  • Learn about the nearest hospital or emergency department and the quickest route to reach the location. It will save you time and ensure that you do not get stuck in traffic. Also, get information about different hospitals to know which place is most suitable for what service. If it seems feasible, go to the best doctor in an emergency.
  • Create a list of emergency contacts and keep it somewhere that is easily accessible, apart from your phone. Emergency contact numbers generally include ambulance or nearby hospital, police department, fire department, family doctor’s number, neighbors, nearby family or friends, and office. Every person in your house, including elders and kids, should know when to contact the numbers.
  • Get a personal emergency response system for elders and kids. You can also use the system, in case you live alone.
  • Always keep a first aid kit in your house and car. Also, carry a small kit with you wherever you go. You must also consider getting First aid cpr training to help keep oxygenated blood flowing to the heart, brain, and other crucial organs. Learning the correct technique of CPR can increase the chances of survival for an unconscious person.

Note: Understand that first aid treatment varies from symptom to symptom. For instance, if someone is choking, you need to perform a Heimlich maneuver. But, the same treatment will not work for someone with breathing issues. Therefore, you must learn the right treatment and keep your first aid kit prepared.

If you find yourself stuck, remember the ABC or basic principle of first aid, i.e.:

  • Airway: If someone’s having breathing difficulties, clear their airways.
  • Breathing: Provide rescue breathing if the person remains unconscious.
  • Circulation: Perform chest compression to ensure blood circulation and check the pulse.

What Should You Do If Someone Needs Your Help? 

Preparation and knowledge will ensure that you do not get cold feet during an uncertain event. Instead, it will facilitate immediate response to safeguard a patient’s life. If someone needs your help, you must:

  • Stay calm and call the local emergency number of your country.
  • Give CPR and first aid- if necessary.
  • If the person is bleeding, use a clean cloth to stop the bleeding as much as possible.
  • Place the unconscious or semi-conscious person into recovery or a more comfortable position.

Recovery Position:

  1. Kneel beside the patient.
  2. Keep the patient’s arm which is away from you at a 90-degree angle.
  3. Place the patient’s other arm across their chest, with the hands under the neck or chin to keep the mouth open.
  4. Once the patient is in a sideways sleeping position with their hand supporting their neck, bend their legs.
  5. Make sure the airway is clear and check their breathing regularly.

However, you MUST NOT move the person if there has been a neck injury. Once the ambulance arrives or when you reach the hospital, ensure that life or limb-threatening injuries or conditions are treated first.

Call The Local Emergency Number In The Following Circumstance:

Most people nowadays own a vehicle and take the patient to the doctor in case of emergency. Even so, there are a few scenarios when you must contact the ambulance. These scenarios are:

  • If the person has a heart attack, severe allergic reaction, animal bite, or any other life-threatening condition.
  • If the person has neck or spine injury or motor vehicle accident. (In such a situation, moving the patient by yourself can be risky, so you must avoid doing so.)
  • The person requires equipment from paramedics.
  • There is huge traffic which might cause delays.

Ambulances are well-equipped; thus, ensure immediate and professional treatment till the patient arrives at the emergency room.

Wrapping It All Up!

A medical emergency is one of the many things you can not control. However, with proper knowledge, training, and quick response, you can reduce the risk and save your loved one’s life. Ensure to pay attention to the warning signs, keep calm, and not delay emergency care.

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Digital Health Buzz!

Digital Health Buzz!

Digital Health Buzz! aims to be the destination of choice when it comes to what’s happening in the digital health world. We are not about news and views, but informative articles and thoughts to apply in your business.

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